People that are infected with HIV appear to be especially susceptible to the adverse effects of cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study is to determine if quitting smoking by using a specialized smoking cessation treatment can prevent one from developing accelerated lung damage, particularly emphysema.

To develop and evaluate a specialized smoking cessation intervention for the treatment of nicotine dependence in HIV-seropositive smokers. [ Time Frame: 48 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:

To examine the effects of smoking cessation on the course of lung function decline, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the occurrence/progression of emphysema in a cohort of HIV-seropositive individuals. [ Time Frame: 48 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

To explore the effects of smoking cessation on the biology of alveolar macrophages obtained from HIV-seropositive individuals [ Time Frame: 48 Months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Includes up to 100 subjects who are HIV positive, do not wish to quit smoking but are willing to undergo one-on-one Motivational Intervention

Behavioral: Motivational Interview

60 minute one-on-one Interview

Detailed Description:

HIV-infected smokers are at increased risk for life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia. To date, very little is known about the tobacco consumption characteristics of this at-risk population of smokers, but it has been well documented that they are at high risk for smoking-related co-morbidities. In addition, few effective cessation strategies have been described in HIV-infected populations. A specialized smoking cessation that combines recommendations from an existing scientifically-valid clinical guideline with Motivational Interviewing a new pharmacotherapeutic agent, may be an effective mechanism to apply to this vulnerable population of smokers. This initial, efficacy investigation has the potential to guide future treatment and research pertaining to tobacco cessation, respiratory illness and HIV.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

18 years of age and older;

diagnosis of HIV;

self-reported smoking on a daily basis;

provide informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

persons with active psychosis or impaired mental status as judged by the clinic staff and confirmed with a Mini-Mental Status Exam)

unable to understand spoken English

age less than 18 years.

pregnant women

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00701896